THIS PRIDE, WE CELEBRATE OUR LGBTQIA+ BRAND FOUNDERS
Integral to the proliferation of trends, techniques and product innovation in the industry, the LGBTQIA+ community has shaped so many of the beauty practices we know and love today. This Pride month, our queer brand founders invite us into their spaces for an intimate look at the self care rituals that help shape their expression, their LGBTQIA+ muses, and the power of authenticity.
Jordan Samuel invites us into his world
On the joy of a slow morning
‘I’m somebody who needs to start my day gently — not approaching things haphazardly. I take a long walk around Central Park with my husband, it clears my head being surrounded by natural beauty. The ease and consistency of a simple morning beauty routine stop me from getting overwhelmed and allows my natural skin and hair to shine. One thing I always have to finish with is a spritz of fragrance, it’s an extension of my outfit and I love dressing myself in fragrance for myself and others to enjoy!’
On his LGBTQIA+ muses
‘Pride can’t pass without acknowledging Marsha P. Johson and Slyvia Rivera who were true fighters for equal rights for our community. They were part of the Stonewall riots in 1969, which then led to Pride as we know it in 1970. They fought the good fight — there would be no pride without their bravery and strength. I’m also inspired by people in the public eye who are fiercely themselves. Athletes like Tom Daley and Adam Rippon. By being open, honest and vulnerable, they’ve allowed others to see that you can be your authentic self and succeed.’
On the power of authenticity
‘It really does get better. Growing up and feeling different can make some feel the need to hide their true identity. I want nothing more than for people to be able to find their chosen family and be their true authentic selves as soon as possible. I would love to see more mentorship programs featuring successful creators, brand founders, and others in the industry that can help educate, support, and open doors for others in the community.’
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Nicolas Travis shares his hopes for the future
On his self-care rituals
‘I love taking a bath and supercharging it with magnesium flakes and aura-energising oils from my healer, Selina Seah (who is the Aura Master). I play sound baths in the background and mask my face with either the Allies of Skin’s Rhassoul Clay Mask or organic UMF 18+ Manuka honey. This ritual allows me to take care of myself from head to toe, both physically and spiritually.’
On finding your power
‘I hope to show the next generation of LGBTQIA+ talent that it gets better. I hope to be an example of how you can come from nothing, have the odds stacked against you and still build something incredible. Finding your light and being proud of your scars will give you so much power — your power doesn't come from having a perfect face or body, but from how much love you give.’
On his hopes for the industry
‘I hope we can all walk our talk — if we want more BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ representation then we have to hire them and give them opportunities. I want the beauty industry to talk more about the importance of mental health too, because feeling good about yourself will automatically make you look better.’
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OLE HENRIKSEN on making a change
On growing up feeling different
‘As a young man growing up in a small village in the Danish countryside, the realisation that I was gay was met with young guys in the village ridiculing me. It didn’t feel good, but at the same time it never made me angry or bitter because I could see how much energy it took for them to behave like that. I realised that they had their own issues to deal with. I became more sympathetic. I never judge people based on colour, religion or sexuality because we are all the same. We all have the same dreams we want to fulfill in life. For me, it made me become a more caring, loving and open-spirited person.’
On overcoming personal challenges
‘I applied for a green card when I moved to LA. I was called to immigration in a federal building for an interview. The officer asked some common questions and then he asked about my sexuality — I knew immediately I was in trouble. He said I was a danger to society, and that I was going to be deported. Before I opened the door I stood to face him and said; “I just want you to know one thing about me. I’m a fighter. I’m not going to give up. I’m going to win my case.” Some years later I was in front of 15 psychiatrists to determine my mental fitness. They gave me top rates, if I can say it in that manner. They ultimately changed the law based on me because they realised there’s nothing wrong with a person based on their sexual preferences. We’re all deserving of a good life and success.’
On the power to be seen
‘So it’s important for all of you who may be up against different forms of discrimination, that sadly happens so much in our world, to never give up — fight for what’s right. Remember you are number one in your life and you will ultimately win. Don’t ever become bitter. Don’t become angry because that gets you nowhere. Celebrate life, celebrate yourself, and your life will go on being a success.’
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
